Family Violence

Family violence is the neglect, physical, sexual, emotional, or psychological abuse of an individual perpetrated by someone with whom they have a familial or romantic relationship. Millions of American adults are affected by this interpersonal violence each year, 15.5 million children in the United States (U.S.) live in families in which partner violence occurred at least once in the past year, and each year three million children are reported as abused or neglected in the United States with three children dying each day in the U.S. due to abuse or neglect.

This interpersonal violence can affect anyone, and is not exclusive to any one group. It occurs across all sectors of society and socioeconomic status, and within all ethnic and religious groups. Interpersonal violence can occur in both opposite- and same-sex relationships and is not resctricted to heteronormative gender roles or identities. Violence in romantic relationships can take place between people who are dating (including teenagers) or people who are in committed long-term partnerships. When considering children, those under the age of one are the most frequently victimized, though children of any age can be a victim of abuse or neglect. Children with disabilities are also more highly likely to be victimized.

Furthermore, elder abuse is a growing epidemic in our aging society. According to the Executive Office of Elder Affairs in Massachusetts, “24,978 elder abuse reports were received and there were 7,117 newly confirmed allegations of elder abuse” in the year 2015 alone (Executive Office of Elder Affairs, 2016). Elder abuse can be defined as, “any knowing, intentional or negligent act by a caregiver or any other person that causes harm to a senior. Simply put: it's the mistreatment or neglect of a person 60 years of age or older, and it’s against the law” (Berkshire District Attorney, 2016).

Resource Organizations » Family Violence » Newton

In Newton

Second Step

The Second Step provides resources and stabilization services to women in the Greater Boston area who are in abusive situations and have left their abusers and need continued services or support. The Second Step provides transitional services to survivors of domestic abuse and their children, including: transitional housing, assistance with finding employment and financial assistance services, stress management, and children's services.

In Massachusetts

Organizations with hotlines

Asian Task Force Against Domestic Violence

Since 1992 the Asian Task Force Against Domestic Violence has worked with area social service organizations, institutions, and community leaders to end family violence and strengthen Asian families and communities. We provide services in Greater Boston and Greater Lowell and offer limited assistance in other cities throughout Massachusetts and New England. Our confidential 24 hour hotline is available for those who have questions, are confused, or are in emergency situations looking for a safe place to stay. Our 24-hour multilingual helpline is often the first point of access to our services. Trained staff advocates and volunteers speak a total of 18 Asian languages and dialects including Vietnamese, Cantonese, Mandarin, Shanghainese, Taiwanese, Khmer, Korean, Japanese, Nepali, Hindi, Bangla, Tagalog, Urdu, Thai, Manipuri, Lao, and Mien.

Casa Myrna Vasquez

The mission of Casa Myrna is to deliver solutions to end domestic and dating violence. The program offers short and long term housing services to women and children as well as pregnant or parenting teenage girls who were victims of abuse. The program offers a variety of support services including counseling, legal advocacy, housing advocacy, and employment and financial planning. The program also conducts education and outreach on domestic violence and healthy relationships on both small and large scales. Today Casa Myrna is the largest provider of shelter and supportive services to survivors of domestic violence in Boston. They offer services in English and Spanish.

D.O.V.E. (Domestic Violence Ended Organization and Hotline

D.O.V.E. addresses domestic abuse and dating violence. DOVE works specifically with adults, teens, and children who have been abused, emotionally and financially, as well as physically and sexually. DOVE’s services include crisis intervention, danger assessment and safety planning, supportive counseling, emergency shelter, legal advocacy and representation, and community outreach, education, and training. DOVE remains the only domestic violence shelter and community-based service provider based in Norfolk County, and also serves the greater South Shore.

Disabled Persons Protection Committee

The mission of the Disabled Persons Protection Commission is: To protect adults with disabilities from the abusive acts or omissions of their caregivers through investigation oversight, public awareness and prevention. In cases of suspected physical, emotional and sexual abuse or neglect of a person with a disability, the DPPC:

Receives and screens reports of suspected abuse, neglect and deaths through a 24-Hour Hotline

Conducts investigations

Oversees investigations conducted on DPPC's behalf by other state agencies: Department of Developmental Services (DDS), Department of Mental Health (DMH) and the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC)

Ensures that the appropriate protective services are provided when abuse has been substantiated or risk is determined

Provides training and education for service providers, law enforcement personnel and the public. And provides assistance to the public in clarifying the presence of abuse and neglect

Domestic Violence Services Network

DVSN works in collaboration with communities to end domestic violence. We strive to empower and educate all peoples in ways that respect their dignity and choices while promoting their safety. We are a referral service specifically addressing domestic and dating violence as well as stalking; our services span across 13 communities in Massachusetts including but not limited to Acton, Boxborough, Bedford, Carlisle, Concord, Maynard, Lexington, Lincoln, Stow, Sudbury, Wayland, Weston and Hanscom Air Force Base. We also offer access to specific programs through partnerships with the police departments as well as human resource and social service agencies in the towns we serve. Programs listed range from informational dinners about legal services and victim assistance, to self-defense training. Other programs exist through patnerships with Emerson Hospital, Middlesex District Attorney's Office and Concord District Court. We also have a directory of resources that is easily accessible through our website.

Elizabeth Freeman Center

The Elizabeth Freeman Center serves the survivors, significant others, and family members who are experiencing, escaping or suffering the long-term affects of violence as well as children who have witnessed such violence. Their services include: A 24 hour a day, seven day a week emergency response hotline with counselors available to accompany victims to hospitals, police stations and safety; A confidential and secure residential shelter with in-house support services; Individual counseling, and safety planning at EFC sites and off site; Support groups; Economic, housing and general advocacy and assistance; Legal advocacy on-site in the county courts who assist victims to obtain 209A restraining orders and other necessary services. Their services span the entire Berkshire County, are free of charge, confidential, and available in multiple languages.

HarborCOV

HarborCOV provides free safety and support services, along with housing and economic opportunities that promote long-term stability for people affected by violence and abuse. HarborCOV specializes in serving survivors who face additional barriers, such as language, culture and economic, by working to create connections to the supports survivors need to rebuild their lives through a continuum of options. With a commitment to social and economic justice, HarborCOV takes a comprehensive approach to addressing violence within the context of family, culture and community. Services include: a 24-hour hotline, case management and group supports for individuals and families, emergency, transitional and permanent affordable housing with supportive services, legal advocacy, including resources for immigrant survivors of abuse, economic development and community awareness and public education initiatives.

Massachusetts Office of Victim Assistance

The mission of the Massachusetts Office for Victim Assistance (MOVA) is to advocate for and assist all crime victims, witnesses, their family members and direct victim service providers throughout the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Victims and their families are often traumatized, confused and uncertain about where to turn for help. Victims can receive assistance through MOVA's Service Programs, the SAFEPLAN Program (for victims seeking protection from abuse), and through the Help Directory. The Victim Services Coordinator can provide referrals to appropriate programs, service providers, information, and advocacy organizations to help victims better understand the justice system.

New England Learning Center for Women in Transition

As the domestic violence and rape crisis center of Franklin County and the North Quabbin region, NELCWIT’s mission is to work within the community to build safety, justice, and dignity for all. NELCWIT offers services to individuals and children whose lives have been impacted domestic violence or sexual abuse, and assist in prevention and education work to decrease violence in our community. NELCWIT offer services to people of all genders, sexual orientations and abilities. All of NELCWIT’s services are free of charge, do not require health insurance or documentation, and are available in Spanish and English, with other languages offered through an interpretation service.

REACH Beyond Domestic Violence

REACH is committed to advancing the safety, healing, and empowerment of those who experience domestic or relationship violence, through direct services and education while promoting social justice for individuals and families of all backgrounds. REACH provides shelter and safe homes to survivors and their children who have been traumatized by domestic violence. Comprehensive support services are available to shelter guests, including counseling assistance in obtaining longer-term housing and employment, and legal advocacy.Teens P.A.V.E. the Way is a statewide summit to train teens as peer educators, helping to break the cycle of relationship abuse.

Safe Passage

Safe Passage is dedicated to creating a world free of domestic violence and relationship abuse. We primarily serve individuals and families in Hampshire County. Safe Passage serves survivors of all genders. Services are free and accessible to people with disabilities and are available in English, Spanish, and other languages. Safe Passage provides survivors with the support and information to keep themselves and their children safe and to rebuild their lives in the wake of domestic violence. Services offered include: 24-hour hotline, emergency shelter for adults and children fleeing abuse, counselors for emotional support, legal advocacy for DV cases in probate & family court, survivor support groups, crisis intervention for children exposed to or are victims of abuse. Safe Passage welcomes men, women, transgender and gender non-conforming survivors, and folks of no gender. We serve people of all sexual orientations. We service those living in rural areas, all immigrants, and refugees.

Safelink

SafeLink, Casa Myrna's statewide, toll-free, domestic violence hotline, was created in October of 2000 by Casa Myrna Vazquez, with support from the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families (DCF). SafeLink is a critical resource to those affected by domestic violence - women, men, adults, youth, victims of abuse and their family members, friends, and colleagues. Callers to SafeLink receive confidential "help at the end of the line" 24 hours a day, every day of the year. SafeLink's specially trained advocates provide support in English, Spanish, Portuguese, and have access to TTY (877-521-2601) and translation services through on-call specialists at the ATT Language Line. That resource can provide simultaneous interpretation in over 140 languages, giving SafeLink the capacity to respond to most callers in their native language. Each call is answered by a trained advocate who provides non-judgmental support, assistance with safety planning, and information on appropriate resources.

SafeLink’s state-of-the-art technology allows the advocate answering your call to keep you on the line while you are being connected to a resource in your area, getting you help in just a single call. It is also OK to call SafeLink if you need to talk about your situation or someone else’s – you do not need to be looking for services or a shelter space.

The Network / La Red

The Network/La Red is a survivor-led, social justice organization that works to end partner abuse in lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, BDSM, polyamorous, and queer communities. Rooted in anti-oppression principles, their work aims to create a world where all people are free from oppression. They strengthen communities through organizing, education, and the provision of support services. Survivors, their friends and family can call the Hotline 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to receive emotional support, information, referrals to resources and assistance in making safety plans. The Network/La Red provides emergency safehome for survivors of partner abuse for up to 4 weeks stay as well as support group offerings.

Womanshelter/Companeras

Womanshelter/Compañeras is dedicated to assisting, supporting, and empowering those whose lives are affected by battering and abuse. Founded in 1980 as a grassroots collective, the organization has sheltered more than 3,000 women and children and assisted 35,000 others through community-based support programs. Central to Womanshelter/Compañeras’ mission is the reduction and prevention of domestic violence. Domestic violence is a pattern of coercive behaviors that involves physical abuse or the threat of physical abuse. It also may include repeated psychological abuse, sexual assault, isolation, intimidation, or economic and/or medical deprivation. Services offered include: 24 Hour hotline, emergency shelter, individual counseling, support groups in English/Spanish, in-court legal advocates, refugee & immigrant services and medical, financial and housing advocacy. Services are always confidential and free.

Organizations without hotlines

Berkshire County Kids' Place & Violence Prevention Center

Berkshire County Kids' Place and Violence Prevention Center, Inc. provides an interdisciplinary, cooperative team approach to address the needs of children subjected to violence as victims or as witnesses and to their non-offending family members. The center provides a safe, caring, home-like atmosphere that coordinates the combined knowledge of law enforcement, social service, medical, prosecutorial, and mental health agencies to ensure an effective response to childhood trauma. Kids' Place gives children who have experienced violence in their lives, either as victims of abuse or witnesses to domestic violence, a safe place to tell their stories and get help.

Child Witness to Violence Program

The Child Witness to Violence Project (CWVP) is a counseling, advocacy, and outreach project that focuses on the growing number of young children who are hidden victims of violence: children who are bystanders to community and domestic violence. CWVP is staffed by a multi-cultural, multi-lingual staff of social workers, psychologists, early childhood specialists, and a consulting pediatrician and consulting attorney. It is run under the auspices of the Department of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics at Boston Medical Center.

Close to Home- Domestic Violence Prevention Initiative

Close to Home's mission is to foster community-wide responsibility to prevent and reduce the impact of domestic and sexual violence. Close to Home builds and supports networks of community residents and organizations in local neighborhoods that want to take action and address the problem of domestic and sexual violence together. Close to Home believes that violence is a critical community issue and that all community members - youth, residents, families, friends, neighbors, civic leaders, and organizational partners - are essential to designing and implementing the solutions to the problem. Close to Home seeks to create opportunities for people and organizations to learn about domestic and sexual violence in their community, discuss and reflect on this violence in their lives and communities, develop skills to respond to and prevent domestic and sexual violence, develop and implement solutions to domestic and sexual violence, and build strong meaningful connections with each other.

EMERGE

Emerge's mission is to eliminate violence in all interpersonal relationships. In working toward this goal, Emerge seeks to educate individual abusers, prevent young people from learning to accept violence in their relationships, improve institutional responses to domestic violence, and increase public awareness about the causes and solutions to relational violence. With the development of parenting education groups for fathers, Emerge has expanded its mission to include a goal of helping men to become more responsible parents.

Family Justice Center of Boston

The Family Justice Center (FJC) of Boston provides a safe and welcoming environment where you can talk about your experiences and explore your options. You may need help finding your way through the legal system and understanding your rights as a victim. You may want to know if and how your child has been harmed, and by whom. You may be looking for the support that you need to stay safe and start over. At the FJC, individuals and families have access to a wide range of free services offered by a diverse group of partner organizations. FJC Partners are here to serve all victims and survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse - including non-English speakers, immigrants (regardless of your status) and gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender individuals. All services are offered free of charge.

Fenway Community Health Center: Violence Recovery Program

The Violence Recovery Program (VRP) at Fenway Community Health was founded in 1986. The VRP provides counseling, support groups, advocacy, and referral services to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) victims of bias crime, domestic violence, sexual assault and police misconduct. Other services include a support group for LGBT domestic violence survivors, the region's only support group for male survivors of rape and sexual assault, advocacy with the courts and police, and assistance with victim compensation. We offer counseling and advocacy in both English and Spanish.

Futures Without Violence

Everyone has the right to live free of violence. Futures Without Violence, formerly Family Violence Prevention Fund, works to prevent and end violence against women and children around the world. From domestic and dating violence, to child abuse and sexual assault, Futures Without Violence works to end some of the most pressing global issues of our time. Striving to reach new audiences and transform social norms, we train professionals such as doctors, nurses, athletic coaches, and judges on improving responses to violence and abuse. As well, we work with advocates, policy makers and others to build sustainable community leadership and educate people everywhere about the importance of respect and healthy relationships.

Jane Doe Inc.

Jane Doe Inc., The Massachusetts Coalition Against Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence brings together organizations and people committed to ending domestic violence and sexual assault. JDI creates social change by addressing the root causes of this violence, and promotes justice, safety and healing for survivors. JDI advocates for responsive public policy, promotes collaboration, raises public awareness, and supports its member organizations to provide comprehensive prevention and intervention services. The website includes listings of sexual assault crisis centers in Massachusetts as well as information on sexual violence and guides for safety planning, getting help, and finding resources for specific populations (e.g. LGBTQ).

Journey to Safety, Jewish Family & Children's Services (JF&CS)

Journey to Safety (formerly Kol Isha) provides culturally competent and religiously sensitive services to all victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking no matter what their background, with specialized services for the Jewish community and the Russian-speaking community. Services are available to adults, seniors, teens and the GLBT community, and are designed to provide the support and resources needed to help victims remain safe. All services are free and confidential.

Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (MSPCC)

MSPCC is dedicated to leadership in protecting and promoting the rights and well-being of children and families. To prevent child abuse, MSPCC focuses on the needs of both the child and the parent. MSPCC’s work focuses on preventing or mitigating the effects of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) including physical, sexual, and emotional abuse, neglect, household substance abuse, household mental illness, and domestic violence. By promoting social and emotional learning and supports for children as well as tools to improve parents’ skills, MSPCC employs a two-generational approach to improve outcomes for both children and parents. MSPCC combined with Eliot Community Human Services in 2016 to further strengthen the agency’s services and better address the needs of children and families. Services provided include pregnancy and parenting support, clinical mental health counseling and care coordination, adoptive and foster parent support, and advocacy. The website allows guardians and/or providers to place referrals for clinical services directly as well.

The Passageway program works to improve the health, well-being, and safety of those experiencing abuse from an intimate partner. Passageway offers the following support services to Brigham and Women's and Faulkner hospitals and affiliated health center patients, employees, and community members: free and confidential advocacy services, safety planning, individual counseling and support, information about the health effects of domestic violence, support groups, medical advocacy, legal and court advocacy and referrals to community resources (health care, housing, shelter, lawyers, and others).
Services are flexible and designed to create safe access for individuals. A person does not need to leave a relationship to use our services. Passageway supports a person's individual choices and rights. All services are free, voluntary, and confidential.

Young Women's Christian Association (YWCA)

For more than 125 years, the YWCA Central Massachusetts has served as a life-long positive force for women and girls, their families and communities. Women come to us in times of crisis, as survivors of domestic violence. We provide safe places for women and girls, build strong women leaders, and advocate for both women’s and civil rights. Domestic Violence Services at the YWCA provide direct and comprehensive support to survivors of domestic violence, and work to create community solutions that prevent domestic violence and promote healthy relationships. Services offered include: a 24-hour helpline, online chat, community outreach, confidential emergency shelter, SAFEPLAN advocates to assist with restraining order process, short-term counseling for adult and child survivors of DV and DV support for family and friends of victims/survivors.

Outside Massachusetts

Organizations with hotlines

ChildHelp National Child Abuse Hotline

The Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline 1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453) is dedicated to the prevention of child abuse. Serving the United States and Canada, the hotline is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with professional crisis counselors who, through interpreters, can provide assistance in over 170 languages. The hotline offers crisis intervention, information, literature, and referrals to thousands of emergency, social service, and support resources. All calls are confidential.

Immigrant Women and Domestic Violence

"While there are differences in domestic violence experienced by immigrant women, there may be commonalities, such as patterns of abuse, challenges, and barriers to seeking help. Similarly, domestic violence service providers may face common challenges in offering services to immigrant women survivors. These challenges and barriers could be related to the survivors’ immigration status, eligibility for public assistance, cultural practices, English language proficiency, etc. This special collection explores the complex experiences of immigrant survivors and includes resources to support their path to safety and justice. It also includes resources that help service providers respond effectively and appropriately to immigrant women who are experiencing domestic violence."

Love Is Respect

Love is respect is a project of the National Domestic Violence Hotline and Break the Cycle. By combining our resources and capacity, we are reaching more people, building more healthy relationships and saving more lives. The website designed for teenagers to provide information and assistance for dealing with domestic and dating violence such as tips on calling the police and safety planning.

National Center on Domestic and Sexual Violence

The National Center on Domestic and Sexual Violence provides training and consultation, influences policy, and promotes collaboration with the goal of ending domestic and sexual violence. The website provides links to extensive resources related to relationship violence within specific communities. There is a special section on the organization's efforts to stop relationship violence in military families: www.ncdsv.org/ncd_militaryresponse.html.

National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs

We work to prevent, respond to, and end all forms of violence against and within LGBTQ communities. We’re a national coalition of local member programs, affiliate organizations and individual affiliates who create systemic and social change. We strive to increase power, safety and resources through data analysis, policy advocacy, education and technical assistance. We produce two annual national reports on LGBTQ Hate Violence and LGBTQ Intimate Partner Violence, the only national reports of their kind. We use these reports to document and raise awareness of the prevalence of this violence, advocate for policy and funding changes that will increase resources to address LGBTQ violence, and recommend strategies to prevent, respond to, and end this violence.We are comprised of organizations and groups across the country that work to prevent and respond to violence against LGBTQ and HIV affected communities. If you are experiencing violence and need support or want to learn more on how to get involved in your local community, contact your local Anti-Violence Project.

National Domestic Violence Hotline

At the National Domestic Violence Hotline we believe that every caller deserves to be treated with dignity and respect, that every family deserves to live in a world free from violence, and that safe homes and safe families are the foundation of a safe society.
Until the violence stops, the hotline will continue to answer--One Call at a Time. Help is available to callers 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Hotline advocates are available for victims and anyone calling on their behalf to provide crisis intervention, safety planning, information and referrals to agencies in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Assistance is available in English and Spanish with access to more than 140 languages through interpreter services. If you or someone you know is frightened about something in your relationship, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline.

National Sexual Assault Telephone Hotline

When you call 800.656.HOPE (4673), you’ll be routed to a local RAINN affiliate organization based on the first six digits of your phone number. Cell phone callers have the option to enter the ZIP code of their current location to more accurately locate the nearest sexual assault service provider. Services are confidential and also include information on medical concerns, legalities, as well as resources and referrals to providers in your area. The hotline also offers a live chat as an alternative to a telephone call.

SafePlace: Stop Abuse for Everyone

The SAFE Alliance is a structured partnership between SafePlace and Austin Children’s Shelter, two organizations that serve the survivors of child abuse and neglect, sexual assault and exploitation, and domestic violence. The mission of the organizations is to lead in ending sexual assault and exploitation, child abuse and domestic violence through prevention, intervention and advocacy for change. We take our name, SAFE | Stop Abuse For Everyone, very seriously. All of our programs and services are available to everyone. No person will ever be denied the benefits of our programs and services based on race, ethnicity, sex, religion, age, language differences, sexual orientation, gender identity, socio-economic status, marital or familial status or disability.

That's Not Cool

That's Not Cool is a website that provides information about digital dating abuse and addresses new and complicated problems between teens who are dating or hooking-up, such as problems like constant and controlling texting, pressuring for nude pictures and breaking into someone's email or social networking page. That’s Not Cool works to lift the voices of the most silenced and marginalized communities of young people including LGBTQI youth, Native youth, youth living with disabilities, and youth of color. Our work provides youth leaders with the tools, training, and support they need to bring localized violence prevention public education campaigns to their communities. That’s Not Cool also provides tools, resources, and technical assistance to adult allies—such as educators and advocates—working with youth leaders or young people experiencing dating violence. Sponsored and co-created by the Family Violence Prevention Fund, the Office on Violence Against Women and the Ad Council.

Organizations without hotlines

1in6

The mission of 1in6 is to help men who have had unwanted or abusive sexual experiences live healthier, happier lives. The organization offers outreach, education and services, in person and over the web, to men with histories of unwanted or abusive childhood sexual experiences and anyone who cares about them. It also offers an online support service. 1in6 offers a 24/7 online helpine through its website, free & confidential online support groups as well as trauma-informed trainings and survivor stories. 1in6.org has regularly updated information and resources for many other visitors too, not only families, friends, or partnerts, but also therapists and other helping professional, journalists, educators, and attorneys, judges and law enforcement officers.

A Call To Men

A CALL TO MEN is a leading national violence prevention organization providing training and education for men, boys and communities. Our aim is to shift social norms that negatively impact our culture and promote a more healthy and respectful definition of manhood. We believe that preventing domestic and sexual violence is primarily the responsibility of men. The organization’s approach is grounded in the social ecological model, advocated by the Centers for Disease Control, as a framework for primary prevention of gender-based violence. Although historically it has been almost entirely women who have been at the forefront addressing this issue, we think it is essential that men play a primary role in the solution. A CALL TO MEN offers a variety of trainings, consultations and technical assistance.

Break the Cycle

Founded in 1996, Break the Cycle is still the only agency to provide comprehensive dating abuse prevention programs exclusively to young people. We believe everyone has the right to a safe and healthy relationship and work every day to make that right into a reality. Break the Cycle offers programs providing help, tools and information to prevent and end domestic and dating violence. www.loveisrespect.org is the most comprehensive resource on the web to provide education about domestic violence.

Date Safe Project

Through interactive presentations, educational resources, and unique national initiatives, The Date Safe Project is committed to being the nation's leading organization for teaching how "asking first" makes all the difference in creating safer intimacy and in decreasing occurrences of sexual assault.The Date Safe Project provides students, educators, schools, and communities with interactive keynote presentations, workshops, books, and educational resources that are filled with fun exercises, thought-provoking lessons, emotionally touching stories, and easy to implement concepts. Parents are given simple solutions to talk with their kids about tough questions regarding dating and sexual assault awareness.

Disability and Abuse Project

The focus of this organization is to help prevent the physical, sexual, and emotional abuse of people with developmental or intellectual disabilities. Their mission is to disseminate information on how to reduce the risk of abuse, to promote healing for victims, and to seek justice for those who have been victimized. The Disability and Abuse Project is a function of Spectrum Institute, a nonprofit educational corporation. The Project works with nonprofit organizations, media, government agencies, and individual advocates. The website contains information on books and resources relevant to issues involving disability and abuse.

Domestic Shelters

We make finding the right shelter and information about domestic violence easier. Instead of searching the Internet, it is all right here. We’ve painstakingly verified information on shelters in LA to shelters in NY, and every domestic violence program in between. If you or a friend is suffering from physical abuse, emotional abuse, psychological abuse or verbal abuse, this free service can help. Select domestic violence programs based on location, service and language needs. Find 24-hour hotlines in your area, service listings, and helpful articles on domestic violence statistics, signs and cycles of abuse, housing services, emergency services, legal and financial services, support groups for women, children and families, and more.

FORGE

FORGE is a national transgender anti-violence organization, founded in 1994. Since 2009, we have been federally funded to provide direct services to transgender, gender non-conforming and gender non-binary survivors of sexual assault. Since 2011, FORGE has served as the only transgender-focused organization federally funded to provide training and technical assistance to providers around the country who work with transgender survivors of sexual assault, domestic and dating violence, and stalking. Our role as a technical assistance provider has allowed us to directly see key continued and emerging challenges many agencies are experiencing in serving sexual assault survivors of all genders. FORGE is a progressive organization whose mission is to support, educate and advocate for the rights and lives of transgender individuals and SOFFAs (Significant Others, Friends, Family, and Allies). FORGE is dedicated to helping move fragmented communities beyond identity politics and forge a movement that embraces and empowers our diverse complexities.

Our work is rooted in two foundational principles: Being trauma-informed and empowerment-focused in all the work we do both with survivors and with victim service professionals. We are also guided by research and evidence-based strategies, but are highly aware that when working with marginalized populations sometimes the most successful solutions are charting new territory and creating new best practices. FORGE provides resources, referrals and programming to survivors as well as providers.

Hope for Healing. Org

Hope for Healing provide an extensive lists of websites, information pages and blogs, and online chat forum links for individuals who have experienced sexual assault, rape and domestic violence. The site also includes links to rape recovery and domestic violence training materials for mental health professionals. It does not offer counseling or support groups.

International Society for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect

The International Society for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect is a multidisciplinary international organization that brings together a worldwide cross-section of committed professionals to work toward the prevention and treatment of child abuse, neglect and exploitation globally. ISPCAN's mission is to prevent cruelty to children in every nation, in every form: physical abuse, sexual abuse, neglect, street children, child fatalities, child prostitution, children of war, emotional abuse and child labor. ISPCAN is committed to increasing public awareness of all forms of violence against children, developing activities to prevent such violence, and promoting the rights of children in all regions of the world.

Joyful Heart Foundation

The mission of the Joyful Heart Foundation is to heal, educate and empower survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence and child abuse. In fulfilling that mission, Joyful Heart Foundation is committed to providing the most up to date information, resources and statistics pertaining to sexual assault, domestic violence and child abuse. Joyful Heart makes it a priority to continuously educate themselves and to share this knowledge with their supporters, clients, partners and the community. Joyful Heart provides survivors with the information and links to national and local organizations where they can receive the appropriate support and assistance on their journey towards healing.

Male Suvivor

MaleSurvivor has been a leader in the fight to improve the resources and support available to male survivors of all forms of sexual abuse in the US and around the globe. We are a community built upon a unique foundation of respect and mutual partnership between survivors themselves and the professionals who work with them. MaleSurvivor staff also travel extensively to provide support and training across a wide range of disciplines to help ensure that all survivors of sexual violence have access to trained, compassionate, and effective support. The website offers a number of resources for male survivors and offers a therapist and support group directory.

National Center on Elder Abuse

The NCEA provides the latest information regarding research, training, best practices, news and resources on elder abuse, neglect and exploitation to professionals and the public. First established by the U.S. Administration on Aging (AoA) in 1988 as a national elder abuse resource center, the NCEA was granted a permanent home at AoA in the 1992 amendments made to Title II of the Older Americans Act.

The NCEA is one of 27 Administration on Aging-funded Resource Centers. Research shows that as many as two million elders are abused in the United States. The Administration on Aging recognizes that as a government, as a society and as individuals, we must increase our efforts to insure that all older adults age with dignity and honor.

National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV)

NCADV is the voice of victims and survivors. We are the catalyst for changing society to have zero tolerance for domestic violence. We do this by affecting public policy, increasing understanding of the impact of domestic violence, and providing programs and education that drive that change. NCADV offers a multitude of different services including resources, advocacy, webinars on healthy relationships, financial education and more, as well as safety planning.

The NCADV Public Policy Office collaborates with other national organizations to promote legislation and policies that serve and protect victims and survivors of domestic violence, and we work to change the narrative surrounding domestic violence.

Lastly, we currently work in partnership with the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS) to assist survivors of domestic violence who cannot afford the cosmetic and reconstructive surgery needed to repair injuries caused by an abusive partner to their head, face, or neck.

National Committee on the Prevention of Elder Abuse (NCPEA)

The National Committee for the Prevention of Elder Abuse (NCPEA) is an association of researchers, practitioners, educators, and advocates dedicated to the prevention of elder mistreatment. To carry out its mission, the NCEA disseminates elder abuse information to professionals and the public, and provides technical assistance and training to states and to community-based organizations. It provides education on what elder abuse is and resources to get help for someone who is an elder and being absused. You can call the NCPEA If you have a complaint about abuse, neglect, or exploitation of an elderly person or a vulnerable adult. **SITE IS CURRENTLY UNDER CONSTRUCTION 7/24/18 CG**

Sexual and Domestic Violence Prevention and Services

Find information on programs and services funded by the Commonwealth, including a comprehensive array of prevention programs and interventions for survivors of sexual and domestic violence and their children. Services are available in every region of the Commonwealth and include residential programs, 24-hour advocacy and support, and specialized programs for children exposed to domestic violence, people who use violence in their relationships, and sexual and domestic violence services for immigrants and other communities experiencing inequities.

Violence Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Violence is a serious public health problem in the United States. From infants to the elderly, it affects people in all stages of life. In 2016, more than 19,000 people were victims of homicide and nearly 45,000 people took their own life. The number of violent deaths is just part of the story. Many people survive violence and have permanent physical and emotional scars. Violence also erodes communities by reducing productivity, decreasing property values, and disrupting social services. This CDC website includes information on a variety of topics related to violence prevention including youth violence, child abuse & neglect, relationship violence, elder abuse and suicide.

Disclaimer: Material on the William James INTERFACE Referral Service website is intended as general information. It is not a recommendation for treatment, nor should it be considered medical or mental health advice. The William James INTERFACE Referral Service urges families to discuss all information and questions related to medical or mental health care with a health care professional.